The Minister of Higher Education discusses with the Charge d'Affaires of the Cypriot Embassy in Damascus the prospects of cooperation and exchange of expertise between the universities of both countries.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, discussed on Thursday with the Acting Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Cyprus in Damascus, Michalis Hadjikyriakou, the prospects of cooperation between the universities of both countries and the exchange of experiences. During the meeting, Minister Al-Halabi welcomed cooperation with Cyprus as a close neighbor to Syria, highlighting the longstanding renewed relations between the two sides. The Minister pointed out the negative effects of the past 14 years on the higher education sector in Syria, such as the deterioration of institutions, academic isolation, brain drain, research stagnation due to travel and research collaboration difficulties, as well as the economic downturn and lack of funding affecting research and education quality. The Minister expressed the ministry's readiness to cooperate in the future in areas where Cyprus excels, indicating the possibility of cooperation with the main university in Cyprus known for its quality and global ranking to enhance the ranking of Syrian universities, research collaboration, exchange of experiences, conferences, and activation of previous agreements. In turn, Hadjikyriakou highlighted the shared history between the two countries, expressing his country's interest in Syrian culture and future, scientific cooperation, activating agreements between the two sides, exchanging visits and delegations, confirming readiness to cooperate in all areas, and continuing communication and coordination for mutual cooperation.